As we approach Christmas, I would like to say a little about the year’s events, and give some idea of the current state of the organization. On St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrated our 40th. anniversary. It was an enjoyable event at which we awarded Mary Carty, Fr. John McLaughlin, and Jim West for their contributions through the years.

We organized a Lá Gaeilge at the Cultural Center in April and another at Catholic Memorial high school in October. The second was one of our best yet. A special thank you to Kate Chadbourne, to the musicians, to Maureen McNally and her assistants for making the event lively and entertaining. Thank you, Brother Kirill and Máire Concannon for the use of the facility. More than 50 people attended this event.

A number of us made the journey to Canada for the Oireachtas in July, where Máirín Uí Chéide, Máire Ní Chlochartaigh and I took part in a short play produced for the occasion. This is always a fun-filled and spirited event, and it’s an honor to be a part of it.

The Cumann was also involved in the launching of Seán Ó Coistealbha’s poetry book, Stadhan, at the Goalpost in Quincy at the beginning of summer. This was a memorable night, so too the night Josie Sheáin Jeaic, the terrific sean-nós singer, was there. I regret to say that a fine poet in his own right, a singer and comedian who made those nights extra special, passed away recently. May your soul rest in peace, Dara Conneely from Inis Meáin.

We had a table at the Irish Heritage Festival in Dorchester on Veteran’s Day, and we got good publicity from it. I’m grateful to Máirín Uí Chéide and to the committee members who organized and attended the event on Sunday. Thank you all very much.

We awarded two scholarships to Esopus for a week to two of our students in August: Bill Allen and Jon Healy. They both enjoyed and benefitted from the experience. We have just concluded the fall classes, and they were very successful. 25 People were registered and the teachers Máire Concannon and Pat Clifford were outstanding as usual.

We expect to organize an event around St. Brigid’s Day in February, 2014. Don’t forget, and keep an eye on our website.

Thank you all for your support throughout the year. We here at Cumann na Gaeilge wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy new year.

Christmas party:

We will join our friends from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann at the Cultural Center, 200 New Boston Drive, Canton, on Friday night the 13th. Dec. 2013 for a party, starting at 7 p.m. There will be food, plenty of music and craic. All are welcome!